The varieties have been developed over the last one decade. During 2001-10, 39 rice varieties for upland direct seeded and two for aerobic conditions have been developed, which requires less water.
The technique called System of Rice Intensification (SRI) is an emerging alternative to the conventional way of flooded rice cultivation and addresses the problems of water scarcity, high energy usage and environmental degradation.
This technique has been successfully implemented in states like Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh etc.
In India, SRI concepts and practices have been successful to other crops such as sugar cane, finger millet, rice and wheat. This system is capable of saving water up to 50-60 per cent as compared to other traditional practices.
It is a technique of increasing productivity by changing management of plant, soil water and nutrients. As this technique is relatively new, it is in vigorous testing phase.
India is a water stressed country, 45 per cent of all available water is utilized for agriculture with ground water accounting for about 70 per cent. A World Bank study estimates that by 2020, India’s demand for water will exceed all sources of supply.
